Fragrance or flavor composition

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a fragrance or flavor composition comprising a fragrance or flavor component acting on at least one olfactory receptor polypeptide selected from the group consisting of (a) OR2C1 and OR4Q3, and (b) polypeptides which comprise an amino acid sequence sharing an identity of at least 80% with the amino acid sequence of any of the polypeptides in (a) and which are responsive to at least one offensive odor-causing substance selected from the group consisting of trans-2-nonenal, trans-2-octenal, 1-octen-3-one, 1,5-octadien-3-one, 1-octen-3-ol and 1,5-octadien-3-ol to suppress the response intensity of the olfactory receptor polypeptide(s) to at least one of the offensive odor-causing substances, and also relates to a product comprising this fragrance or flavor composition and a method for suppressing offensive odors.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a fragrance or flavor composition.Moreover, the present invention also relates to a product comprisingthis fragrance or flavor composition and a method for suppressingoffensive odors.

BACKGROUND ART

Ambient odors and offensive odors perceived as unpleasant in daily lifeare strongly desired to be eliminated more effectively for improvedliving environments. In recent years, there has been growing awarenessof body odors, among others.

Body odors are broadly divided into two categories, i.e., the “smell ofeach body part” (e.g., mouth odor, foot odor, underarm odor, scalp odor)and the “combined smell arising from the body trunk.” The “combinedsmell arising from the body trunk” is known to change with age, andage-related body odors, which are observed at middle age or later, verystrongly tend to be disfavored. As to substances responsible for causingsuch age-related body odors, unsaturated aldehydes such astrans-2-nonenal and trans-2-octenal have been reported to causeage-related body odors (Patent Literature 1). Moreover, vinyl ketonessuch as 1-octen-3-one and 1,5-octadien-3-one have a very low odorthreshold and a strong metallic odor, and are reported to be greatlyinvolved in underarm odors (Non-patent Document 1). Moreover, nonenal,1-octen-3-one, 1,5-octadien-3-one and so on are also known asoff-flavors (Patent Literatures 2 and 3, Non-patent Literature 2).Moreover, 1-octen-3-ol. 1,5-octadien-3-ol and so on are also known assubstances responsible for causing musty odors (Non-patent Literature3).

Selective odor elimination techniques based on antagonistic mechanismare designed to search for olfactory receptors responding to particularodorous substances and to suppress their activation with particularsubstances, and the potential of these techniques is becoming clear. Forexample, olfactory receptor OR2W1 responds to hexanoic acid, which isamong offensive odors. Substances inhibiting the activity of this OR2W1are exemplified by florhydral, and florhydral has been reported tosuppress an offensive odor induced by hexanoic acid in sensory testing(Patent Literature 4).

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

-   Patent Literature 1: JP H11-286423 A-   Patent Literature 2: JP 2017-153371 A-   Patent Literature 3: Japanese Patent No. 6168999-   Patent Literature 4: JP 2012-50411 A

Non-Patent Literature

-   Non-patent Literature 1: “Mechanism and Regulation of Body Malodor    Generation (1)” Satoru Iida et al., J. Soc. Cosmet. Chem. Jpn. Vol.    37, No. 3 (2003)-   Non-patent Literature 2: “Flavor Components in Edible Fats and Oils”    Yasushi Endo, Journal of Japan Oil Chemists' Society, Vol. 48, No.    10 (1999)-   Non-patent Literature 3: “Perfume and Flavor Chemicals (Aroma    Chemicals)” S. Arctander, Vol. 1 (1969)

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

Screening may be possible for candidate substances for offensiveodor-suppressing materials when olfactory receptors responding to knownoffensive odor-causing substances are searched and used for thispurpose. However, such olfactory receptors responding to one or moreoffensive odor-causing substances selected from the group consisting of1-octen-3-one, 1,5-octadien-3-one, 1-octen-3-ol and 1,5-octadien-3-ol,which are known as substances responsible for causing offensive odors,have not been widely known so far.

Under these circumstances, there has been a desire to search forolfactory receptors responding to one or more offensive odor-causingsubstances selected from the group consisting of 1-octen-3-one,1,5-octadien-3-one, 1-octen-3-ol and 1,5-octadien-3-ol, and therebyprovide a screening method for candidate substances for materialssuppressing one or more offensive odors selected from the groupconsisting of a 1-octen-3-one odor, a 1,5-octadien-3-one odor, a1-octen-3-ol odor and a 1,5-octadien-3-ol odor, and also provide anoffensive odor-suppressing fragrance composition for reducing theoffensiveness of age-related body odors, underarm odors and musty odors,as well as a flavor composition for reducing off-flavors derived fromfood and beverage products.

Solution to Problem

As a result of extensive and intensive efforts made to solve theproblems stated above, the inventors of the present invention havesucceeded in newly identifying olfactory receptors respondingrespectively to one or more offensive odor-causing substances selectedfrom the group consisting of 1-octen-3-one, 1,5-octadien-3-one,-octen-3-ol and 1,5-octadien-3-ol. The inventors of the presentinvention have made further studies and have found that the use of theseolfactory receptors enables the evaluation and selection of materialssuppressing age-related body odors, underarm odors and musty odors, andmaterials reducing off-flavors, as well as 1-octen-3-oneodor-suppressing materials, 1,5-octadien-3-one odor-suppressingmaterials, 1-octen-3-ol odor-suppressing materials and 1,5-octadien-3-olodor-suppressing materials, by means of the masking effect of olfactoryreceptor antagonists. As a result, the inventors of the presentinvention have found that antagonist candidate compounds suppressing theresponse of these olfactory receptors including OR2C1 and OR4Q3 areexcellent in the effect of suppressing offensive odors such asage-related body odors, underarm odors and musty odors. Surprisingly,the inventors of the present invention have further found that theseantagonist candidate compounds are more excellent in the effect ofsuppressing offensive odors when used in combination with a particularcomponent found in a group of fragrances or flavorings which have nosuppressive effect on the response of these olfactory receptorsincluding OR2C1 and OR4Q3. Moreover, the inventors of the presentinvention have found that these antagonist candidate compounds also havethe effect of reducing off-flavors derived from food and beverageproducts.

Namely, the present invention provides an offensive odor-suppressingfragrance or flavor composition and a product comprising the same, aswell as a method for suppressing offensive odors, as shown below.

[1] A fragrance or flavor composition comprising a fragrance or flavorcomponent acting on at least one olfactory receptor polypeptide selectedfrom the group consisting of (a) OR2C1 and OR4Q3, and (b) polypeptideswhich comprise an amino acid sequence sharing an identity of at least80% with the amino acid sequence of any of the polypeptides in (a) andwhich are responsive to at least one offensive odor-causing substanceselected from the group consisting of trans-2-nonenal, trans-2-octenal,1-octen-3-one, 1,5-octadien-3-one, 1-octen-3-ol and 1,5-octadien-3-ol tosuppress the response intensity of the olfactory receptor polypeptide(s)to at least one of the offensive odor-causing substances.[2] The fragrance or flavor composition according to [1] above, whereinthe olfactory receptor polypeptide is at least one selected from thegroup consisting of (a) OR2C1 and (b) polypeptides which comprise anamino acid sequence sharing an identity of at least 80% with the aminoacid sequence of OR2C1 and which are responsive to at least oneoffensive odor-causing substance selected from the group consisting oftrans-2-nonenal, trans-2-octenal, 1-octen-3-one, 1,5-octadien-3-one,1-octen-3-ol and 1,5-octadien-3-ol.[3] The fragrance or flavor composition according to [1] or [2] above,which is intended to suppress one or more offensive odors selected fromthe group consisting of age-related body odors, underarm odors and mustyodors.[4] The fragrance or flavor composition according to [3] above, whereinthe one or more offensive odors selected from the group consisting ofage-related body odors and underarm odors are composed of at least oneselected from the group consisting of trans-2-nonenal, trans-2-octenal,1-octen-3-one and 1,5-octadien-3-one.[5] The fragrance or flavor composition according to [3] above, whereinthe musty odors are composed of at least one selected from the groupconsisting of 1-octen-3-ol and 1,5-octadien-3-ol.[6] The fragrance or flavor composition according to any one of [1] to[5] above, wherein the fragrance or flavor component comprises at leastone selected from the group consisting of the following group A.Group A: 2-methyl-4-(2,2,3-trimethylcyclopent-3-enyl)but-2-en-1-ol,1-(2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexyl)hexan-3-ol,1,4-dioxacycloheptadecane-5,17-dione, eucalyptus oil, patchouli oil, andvetiver oil[7] The fragrance or flavor composition according to [6] above, whereinthe fragrance or flavor component further comprises at least oneselected from the group consisting of the following group B.Group B: tetrahydro-4-methyl-2-(2-methylpropenyl)-2H-pyran, 2-propenyl(3-methylbutyloxy)acetate, ethyl 2-methylpentanoate,2,6-dimethyl-7-octen-2-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenal, benzyl acetate,p-t-butylcyclohexyl acetate, 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadiene nitrile,4,4,6-trimethyl-2-phenyl-1,3-dioxane, 5-hexyloxolan-2-one,4-methyl-3-decen-5-ol, 3-methyl-2-(cis-2-pentenyl)-2-cyclopenten-1-one,3,7-dimethyl-6-octen-1-ol, 1-phenylethyl acetate, and(E)-1-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl)-2-buten-1-one[8] A fragrance or flavor composition for suppressing one or moreoffensive odors selected from the group consisting of age-related bodyodors, underarm odors and musty odors, which comprises at least onefragrance or flavor component selected from the group consisting of thefollowing group A.Group A: 2-methyl-4-(2,2,3-trimethylcyclopent-3-enyl)but-2-en-1-ol,1-(2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexyl)hexan-3-ol,1,4-dioxacycloheptadecane-5,17-dione, eucalyptus oil, patchouli oil, andvetiver oil[9] The fragrance or flavor composition according to [8] above, whereinthe fragrance or flavor component further comprises at least oneselected from the group consisting of the following group B.Group B: tetrahydro-4-methyl-2-(2-methylpropenyl)-2H-pyran, 2-propenyl(3-methylbutyloxy)acetate, ethyl 2-methylpentanoate,2,6-dimethyl-7-octen-2-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenal, benzyl acetate,p-t-butylcyclohexyl acetate, 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadiene nitrile,4,4,6-trimethyl-2-phenyl-1,3-dioxane, 5-hexyloxolan-2-one,4-methyl-3-decen-5-ol, 3-methyl-2-(cis-2-pentenyl)-2-cyclopenten-1-one,3,7-dimethyl-6-octen-1-ol, 1-phenylethyl acetate, and(E)-1-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl)-2-buten-1-one[10] A product comprising 0.0001% to 30% by mass of the fragrance orflavor composition according to any one of [1] to [9] above.[11] A method for suppressing one or more offensive odors selected fromthe group consisting of age-related body odors, underarm odors and mustyodors, which comprises applying the fragrance or flavor compositionaccording to any one of [1] to [9] above to one or more offensive odorsselected from the group consisting of age-related body odors, underarmodors and musty odors to thereby suppress the offensive odors.

Alternatively, the present invention provides a fragrance or flavorcomposition and a product comprising the same, as well as a method forsuppressing offensive odors, as shown below.

[1] A fragrance or flavor composition, characterized by comprising afragrance or flavor component suppressing the response intensity of atleast one olfactory receptor polypeptide selected from OR2C1 and a groupsharing an identity in amino acid sequence of at least 80% with OR2C1.[2] The fragrance or flavor composition according to [1] above, which isintended to suppress age-related body odors and/or underarm odors.[3] The fragrance or flavor composition according to [2] above,characterized in that the age-related body odors and/or underarm odorsare composed of at least one selected from trans-2-nonenal,trans-2-octenal, 1-octen-3-one and 1,5-octadien-3-one.[4] The fragrance or flavor composition according to any one of [1] to[3] above, characterized in that the fragrance or flavor componentcomprises one or two or more selected from the following group A.Group A: 2-methyl-4-(2,2,3-trimethyl-3-cyclopentenyl)-2-buten-1-ol,1-(2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexyl)hexan-3-ol,1,4-dioxacycloheptadecane-5,17-dione, eucalyptus oil, patchouli oil, andvetiver oil[5] The fragrance or flavor composition according to [4] above,characterized by further comprising one or two or more selected from thefollowing group B.Group B: tetrahydro-4-methyl-2-(2-methylpropenyl)-2H-pyran, 2-propenyl(3-methylbutyloxy)acetate, ethyl 2-methylpentanoate,2,6-dimethyl-7-octen-2-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenal, benzyl acetate,p-t-butylcyclohexyl acetate, 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadiene nitrile,4,4,6-trimethyl-2-phenyl-1,3-dioxane, 5-hexyloxolan-2-one,4-methyl-3-decen-5-ol, 3-methyl-2-(cis-2-pentenyl)-2-cyclopenten-1-one,3,7-dimethyl-6-octen-1-ol, 1-phenylethyl acetate, and(E)-1-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl)-2-buten-1-one[6] A product, characterized by comprising 0.0001% to 30% by mass of thefragrance or flavor composition according to any one of [1] to [5]above.[7] A method for suppressing age-related body odors and/or underarmodors, characterized in that the fragrance or flavor compositionaccording to any one of [2] to [5] above is used against age-relatedbody odors and/or underarm odors.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

According to the present invention, when candidate substances foroffensive odor-suppressing materials are screened with olfactoryreceptor polypeptides responsive to particular offensive odor-causingsubstances, a fragrance or flavor component suppressing the intensity ofresponse to the above offensive odor-causing substances can be properlyselected, and when the selected fragrance or flavor component iscontained as an active ingredient, a fragrance or flavor compositionhaving the desired suppressive effect on offensive odors can beprovided.

When attempting to develop new fragrance materials, there are problemsof olfactory fatigue and variations among individuals if many candidatesubstances are evaluated for their odor by the human olfactory sensealone; and hence the proper selection of candidate substances mayinvolve difficulties. According to the present invention, such problemscan be overcome or reduced.

Further, according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, whena group of antagonist candidate compounds suppressing the response ofthe above olfactory receptor polypeptides including OR2C1 and OR4Q3 areused in combination with a group of particular compounds conventionallyused as fragrances or flavorings, etc., a greater suppressive effect maybe provided on offensive odors than when the group of antagonistcandidate compounds are used alone.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the results measured for the response of olfactory receptorOR2C1 to 1-octen-3-one.

FIG. 2 shows the results measured for the response of olfactory receptorOR4Q3 to 1-octen-3-one.

FIG. 3 shows the results measured for the response of olfactory receptorOR2C1 to 1,5-octadien-3-one.

FIG. 4 shows the results measured for the response of olfactory receptorOR4Q3 to 1,5-octadien-3-one.

FIG. 5 shows the results measured for the response of olfactory receptorOR4Q3 to 1-octen-3-ol.

FIG. 6 shows the results measured for the response of olfactory receptorOR4Q3 to 1,5-octadien-3-ol.

FIG. 7 shows the results obtained for the suppressive effect induced byaddition of 2-methyl-4-(2,2,3-trimethylcyclopent-3-enyl)but-2-en-1-ol(Hindinol®) on the response of olfactory receptor OR2C1 to1-octen-3-one.

FIG. 8 shows the results obtained for the suppressive effect induced byaddition of 1-(2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexyl)hexan-3-ol (Dextramber®) on theresponse of olfactory receptor OR2C1 to 1-octen-3-one.

FIG. 9 shows the results obtained for the suppressive effect induced byaddition of 2-methyl-4-(2,2,3-trimethylcyclopent-3-enyl)but-2-en-1-ol(Hindinol®) on the response of olfactory receptor OR2C1 totrans-2-nonenal.

FIG. 10 shows the results obtained for the suppressive effect induced byaddition of 1-(2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexyl)hexan-3-ol (Dextramber®) on theresponse of olfactory receptor OR2C1 to trans-2-nonenal.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The fragrance or flavor composition of the present invention, theproduct of the present invention, as well as the method for suppressingoffensive odors of the present invention will be described in moredetail below, together with the screening method for offensiveodor-suppressing materials used in the present invention.

1. Screening Method for 1-Octen-3-One Odor-Suppressing Materials

The screening method for 1-octen-3-one odor-suppressing materials usedin the present invention is designed such that test substances arescreened with olfactory receptor polypeptides responsive to1-octen-3-one to select candidate substances for 1-octen-3-oneodor-suppressing materials. This method is characterized by comprisingthe following steps:

adding a test substance and 1-octen-3-one to at least one olfactoryreceptor polypeptide selected from the group consisting of (a) OR2C1 andOR4Q3, and (b) polypeptides which comprise an amino acid sequencesharing an identity of at least 80% with the amino acid sequence of anyof the polypeptides in (a) and which are responsive to 1-octen-3-one;

measuring the response of the olfactory receptor polypeptide to1-octen-3-one; and

identifying a test substance that suppresses the response of theolfactory receptor polypeptide on the basis of the measured response,i.e., identifying a test substance that suppresses the response of theolfactory receptor polypeptide on the basis of the measured response asa candidate substance for 1-octen-3-one odor-suppressing materials.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the screeningmethod for 1-octen-3-one odor-suppressing materials used in the presentinvention comprises the following steps:

-   -   (i) bringing an olfactory receptor polypeptide selected from the        group consisting of (a) OR2C1 and OR4Q3, and (b) polypeptides        which comprise an amino acid sequence sharing an identity of 80%        or more with the amino acid sequence of any of the polypeptides        in (a) and which are responsive to 1-octen-3-one into contact        with 1-octen-3-one to measure the response of the olfactory        receptor polypeptide to 1-octen-3-one;    -   (ii) mixing a test substance with 1-octen-3-one to measure the        response of the olfactory receptor polypeptide used in step (i);        and    -   (iii) comparing the results measured in steps (i) and (ii) to        select a test substance causing a reduction in the response as a        candidate substance for 1-octen-3-one odor-suppressing        materials.

The screening method for 1-octen-3-one odor-suppressing materials usedin the present invention is configured such that candidate substancesfor 1-octen-3-one odor-suppressing materials are selected from amongtest substances on the basis of the responsiveness of each testsubstance to an olfactory receptor polypeptide selected from the groupconsisting of OR2C1, OR4Q3, and polypeptides which comprise amino acidsequences sharing an identity of 80% or more with the amino acidsequences of these polypeptides and which are responsive to offensiveodor-causing substances.

In the screening method for 1-octen-3-one odor-suppressing materialsused in the present invention, the term “test substance” is not limitedin any way, but it refers to a subject to be tested for its suppressiveeffect on a 1-octen-3-one odor and is intended to mean a compound, acomposition or a mixture. Likewise, the term “1-octen-3-oneodor-suppressing material” is not limited in any way, but it is intendedto mean a compound, a composition or a mixture, which is capable ofsuppressing a 1-octen-3-one odor. Moreover, the term “1-octen-3-oneodor” is intended to mean an odor originating from 1-octen-3-one, asexemplified by a mushroom odor, an iron rust odor, an underarm odor,off-flavors, etc. An explanation will be given below of each step.

<Step (i)>

In step (i), an olfactory receptor polypeptide selected from the groupconsisting of OR2C1, OR4Q3, and polypeptides which comprise an aminoacid sequence sharing an identity of 80% or more with the amino acidsequence of any of these polypeptides and which are responsive to1-octen-3-one is brought into contact with 1-octen-3-one to measure theresponse of the olfactory receptor polypeptide to 1-octen-3-one.

The olfactory receptor polypeptide to be used for this purpose is anolfactory receptor polypeptide selected from the group consisting ofOR2C1, OR4Q3, and polypeptides which comprise an amino acid sequencesharing an identity of 80% or more with the amino acid sequence of anyof these polypeptides and which are responsive to 1-octen-3-one.

OR2C1 has been registered in GenBank under NM_012368, and is apolypeptide consisting of an amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 2) encodedby DNA at positions 53 to 991 of the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ IDNO: 1.

OR4Q3 has been registered in GenBank under NM_172194, and is apolypeptide consisting of an amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 4) encodedby DNA having the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 3.

Since these polypeptides strongly and selectively respond tol-octen-3-one, the screening method using OR2C1 and/or OR4Q3 can beexpected to contribute to the development of 1-octen-3-oneodor-suppressing materials.

As an olfactory receptor, it is also possible to use an olfactoryreceptor polypeptide selected from the group consisting of polypeptideswhich comprise an amino acid sequence sharing an identity of 80% ormore, preferably 85% or more, more preferably 90% or more, even morepreferably 95% or more, and particularly preferably 98% or more with theamino acid sequence possessed by any of these polypeptides (i.e., SEQ IDNO: 2 or 4) and which are responsive to 1-octen-3-one.

Such olfactory receptor polypeptides may be used alone, or two or moreof them may be used in combination.

In the present invention, there is no particular limitation on how tocontact an olfactory receptor polypeptide with 1-octen-3-one to measurethe response of the olfactory receptor polypeptide to 1-octen-3-one. Forexample, the response of the olfactory receptor polypeptide may bemeasured by being contacted with 1-octen-3-one on cells isolated from aliving body expressing the olfactory receptor polypeptide, oralternatively, the response of the olfactory receptor polypeptide may bemeasured by being contacted with 1-octen-3-one on cells geneticallyengineered to artificially express the olfactory receptor polypeptide.The time required to contact the olfactory receptor polypeptide with1-octen-3-one is not determined exactly because it also depends on theconcentration of 1-octen-3-one and the method used for measurement.However, the response may be measured immediately after their contact,and the time required for their contact is usually 0 to 4 hours, andpreferably 2 to 4 hours. The same goes for when the olfactory receptorpolypeptide is contacted with 1-octen-3-one in admixture with a testsubstance.

Cells genetically engineered to artificially express the olfactoryreceptor polypeptide may be prepared when cells are transformed with avector carrying a gene encoding the olfactory receptor polypeptide.

In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the N-terminal 20 aminoacid residues of bovine rhodopsin may be integrated together with theolfactory receptor polypeptide. Upon integration of the N-terminal 20amino acid residues of bovine rhodopsin, cell membrane expression of theolfactory receptor polypeptide may be facilitated.

Bovine rhodopsin has been registered in GenBank under NM_001014890.Bovine rhodopsin is a polypeptide consisting of an amino acid sequence(SEQ ID NO: 6) encoded by DNA at positions 1 to 1047 of the nucleotidesequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 5.

Moreover, instead of bovine rhodopsin, it is also possible to use apolypeptide which comprises an amino acid sequence sharing an identityof 80% or more, preferably 85% or more, more preferably 90% or more,even more preferably 95% or more, and particularly preferably 98% ormore with the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 6 and which iscapable of facilitating cell membrane expression of the olfactoryreceptor polypeptide.

It should be noted that amino acid residues of not only bovine rhodopsinbut also any other polypeptides may be used as long as they canfacilitate cell membrane expression of the olfactory receptorpolypeptide.

There is no particular limitation on how to measure the response of theolfactory receptor polypeptide, and any technique used in the art may beused for this purpose. For example, it is known that once an odorouscompound has bound to an olfactory receptor polypeptide, G protein incells will be activated and this G protein will in turn activateadenylate cyclase to convert ATP into cyclic AMP (cAMP), therebyincreasing the intracellular level of cAMP. Thus, the response of theolfactory receptor polypeptide can be measured when the level of cAMP ismeasured. The level of cAMP may be measured using ELISA techniques,reporter gene assay techniques, etc. Above all, it is preferred that theresponse of the olfactory receptor polypeptide is measured by reportergene assay techniques using a luminophore (e.g., luciferase).

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the response ofthe olfactory receptor polypeptide may be evaluated on the basis of thefold increase value determined by dividing the results measured in thepresence of 1-octen-3-one by the results measured in the absence of1-octen-3-one. For example, when the response of the olfactory receptorpolypeptide is measured by reporter gene assay techniques using aluminophore (e.g., luciferase), evaluation can be made using1-octen-3-one at a concentration which gives a fold increase value ofpreferably 2 or more, more preferably 4 or more, and even morepreferably 10 or more.

<Step (ii)>

In step (ii), a test substance is mixed with 1-octen-3-one to measurethe response of the olfactory receptor used in step (i).

The response of the olfactory receptor polypeptide may be measured inthe same manner as shown in step (i), except that 1-octen-3-one is mixedwith the test substance and contacted with the olfactory receptorpolypeptide. For example, the response of the olfactory receptorpolypeptide may be measured on cells isolated from a living bodyexpressing the olfactory receptor polypeptide, or alternatively, theresponse of the olfactory receptor polypeptide may be measured on cellsgenetically engineered to artificially express the olfactory receptorpolypeptide. For proper comparison of the results measured in steps (i)and (ii), the measurement conditions in steps (i) and (ii) arepreferably the same, except for the presence or absence of the testsubstance.

<Step (iii)>

In step (iii), the results measured in steps (i) and (ii) are comparedwith each other to select a test substance causing a reduction in theresponse as a candidate substance for 1-octen-3-one odor-suppressingmaterials.

In the present invention, when a reduction in the response is observedas a result of comparing the results measured in steps (i) and (ii), thetest substance used in step (ii) can be evaluated as a candidatesubstance for 1-octen-3-one odor-suppressing materials.

In such a way as described above, test substances can be screened toselect candidate substances for 1-octen-3-one odor-suppressingmaterials. According to the present invention, it is possible to selectcandidate substances for 1-octen-3-one odor-suppressing materials fromamong many test substances, without causing any problems such asolfactory fatigue and variations among individuals associated withsensory testing by means of the human olfactory sense.

The selected substances can be used as candidate substances for1-octen-3-one odor-suppressing materials. If necessary, the selectedsubstances may be subjected to modifications or the like to therebydevelop novel compounds having the most suitable scent. Further, theselected substances may be blended with other fragrance or flavormaterials to thereby develop fragrance or flavor materials capable ofsuppressing the 1-octen-3-one odor and also having the most suitablescent. The above screening method can be used to contribute to thedevelopment of new fragrance or flavor materials serving as1-octen-3-one odor-suppressing materials.

2. Screening method for 1,5-octadien-3-one odor-suppressing materials

The screening method for 1,5-octadien-3-one odor-suppressing materialsused in the present invention is designed such that test substances arescreened with olfactory receptor polypeptides responsive to1,5-octadien-3-one to select candidate substances for 1,5-octadien-3-oneodor-suppressing materials. This method is characterized by comprisingthe following steps:

adding a test substance and 1,5-octadien-3-one to at least one olfactoryreceptor polypeptide selected from the group consisting of (a) OR2C1 andOR4Q3, and (b) polypeptides which comprise an amino acid sequencesharing an identity of at least 80% with the amino acid sequence of anyof the polypeptides in (a) and which are responsive to1,5-octadien-3-one;

measuring the response of the olfactory receptor polypeptide to1,5-octadien-3-one; and

identifying a test substance that suppresses the response of theolfactory receptor polypeptide on the basis of the measured response,i.e., identifying a test substance that suppresses the response of theolfactory receptor polypeptide on the basis of the measured response asa candidate substance for 1,5-octadien-3-one odor-suppressing materials.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the screeningmethod for 1,5-octadien-3-one odor-suppressing materials used in thepresent invention comprises the following steps:

-   -   (i) bringing an olfactory receptor polypeptide selected from the        group consisting of (a) OR2C1 and OR4Q3, and (b) polypeptides        which comprise an amino acid sequence sharing an identity of 80%        or more with the amino acid sequence of any of the polypeptides        in (a) and which are responsive to 1,5-octadien-3-one into        contact with 1,5-octadien-3-one to measure the response of the        olfactory receptor polypeptide to 1,5-octadien-3-one;    -   (ii) mixing a test substance with 1,5-octadien-3-one to measure        the response of the olfactory receptor polypeptide used in step        (i); and    -   (iii) comparing the results measured in steps (i) and (ii) to        select a test substance causing a reduction in the response as a        candidate substance for 1,5-octadien-3-one odor-suppressing        materials.

The screening method for 1,5-octadien-3-one odor-suppressing materialsused in the present invention is configured such that candidatesubstances for 1,5-octadien-3-one odor-suppressing materials areselected from among test substances on the basis of the responsivenessof each test substance to an olfactory receptor polypeptide selectedfrom the group consisting of OR2C1, OR4Q3, and polypeptides whichcomprise amino acid sequences sharing an identity of 80% or more withthe amino acid sequences of these polypeptides and which are responsiveto offensive odor-causing substances.

In the screening method for 1,5-octadien-3-one odor-suppressingmaterials used in the present invention, the term “test substance” isnot limited in any way, but it refers to a subject to be tested for itssuppressive effect on a 1,5-octadien-3-one odor and is intended to meana compound, a composition or a mixture. Likewise, the term“1,5-octadien-3-one odor-suppressing material” is not limited in anyway, but it is intended to mean a compound, a composition or a mixture,which is capable of suppressing a 1,5-octadien-3-one odor. Moreover, theterm “1,5-octadien-3-one odor” is intended to mean an odor originatingfrom 1,5-octadien-3-one, as exemplified by a mushroom odor, an iron rustodor, an underarm odor, off-flavors, etc. An explanation will be givenbelow of each step.

<Step (i)>

In step (i), an olfactory receptor polypeptide selected from the groupconsisting of OR2C1, OR4Q3, and polypeptides which comprise an aminoacid sequence sharing an identity of 80% or more with the amino acidsequence of any of these polypeptides and which are responsive to1,5-octadien-3-one is brought into contact with 1,5-octadien-3-one tomeasure the response of the olfactory receptor polypeptide to1,5-octadien-3-one.

The olfactory receptor polypeptide to be used for this purpose is anolfactory receptor polypeptide selected from the group consisting ofOR2C1, OR4Q3, and polypeptides which comprise an amino acid sequencesharing an identity of 80% or more with the amino acid sequence of anyof these polypeptides and which are responsive to 1,5-octadien-3-one.

OR2C1 has been registered in GenBank under NM_012368, and is apolypeptide consisting of an amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 2) encodedby DNA at positions 53 to 991 of the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ IDNO: 1.

OR4Q3 has been registered in GenBank under NM_172194, and is apolypeptide consisting of an amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 4) encodedby DNA having the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 3.

Since these polypeptides strongly and selectively respond to1,5-octadien-3-one, the screening method using OR2C1 and/or OR4Q3 can beexpected to contribute to the development of 1,5-octadien-3-oneodor-suppressing materials.

As an olfactory receptor, it is also possible to use an olfactoryreceptor polypeptide selected from the group consisting of polypeptideswhich comprise an amino acid sequence sharing an identity of 80% ormore, preferably 85% or more, more preferably 90% or more, even morepreferably 95% or more, and particularly preferably 98% or more with theamino acid sequence possessed by any of these polypeptides (i.e., SEQ IDNO: 2 or 4) and which are responsive to 1,5-octadien-3-one.

Such olfactory receptor polypeptides may be used alone, or two or moreof them may be used in combination.

In the present invention, there is no particular limitation on how tocontact an olfactory receptor polypeptide with 1,5-octadien-3-one tomeasure the response of the olfactory receptor polypeptide to1,5-octadien-3-one. For example, the response of the olfactory receptorpolypeptide may be measured by being contacted with 1,5-octadien-3-oneon cells isolated from a living body expressing the olfactory receptorpolypeptide, or alternatively, the response of the olfactory receptorpolypeptide may be measured by being contacted with 1,5-octadien-3-oneon cells genetically engineered to artificially express the olfactoryreceptor polypeptide. The time required to contact the olfactoryreceptor polypeptide with 1,5-octadien-3-one is not determined exactlybecause it also depends on the concentration of 1,5-octadien-3-one andthe method used for measurement. However, the response may be measuredimmediately after their contact, and the time required for their contactis usually 0 to 4 hours, and preferably 2 to 4 hours. The same goes forwhen the olfactory receptor polypeptide is contacted with1,5-octadien-3-one in admixture with a test substance.

Cells genetically engineered to artificially express the olfactoryreceptor polypeptide may be prepared when cells are transformed with avector carrying a gene encoding the olfactory receptor polypeptide.

In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the N-terminal 20 aminoacid residues of bovine rhodopsin may be integrated together with theolfactory receptor polypeptide. Upon integration of the N-terminal 20amino acid residues of bovine rhodopsin, cell membrane expression of theolfactory receptor polypeptide may be facilitated.

Bovine rhodopsin has been registered in GenBank under NM_001014890.Bovine rhodopsin is a polypeptide consisting of an amino acid sequence(SEQ ID NO: 6) encoded by DNA at positions 1 to 1047 of the nucleotidesequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 5.

Moreover, instead of bovine rhodopsin, it is also possible to use apolypeptide which comprises an amino acid sequence sharing an identityof 80% or more, preferably 85% or more, more preferably 90% or more,even more preferably 95% or more, and particularly preferably 98% ormore with the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 6 and which iscapable of facilitating cell membrane expression of the olfactoryreceptor polypeptide.

It should be noted that amino acid residues of not only bovine rhodopsinbut also any other polypeptides may be used as long as they canfacilitate cell membrane expression of the olfactory receptorpolypeptide.

There is no particular limitation on how to measure the response of theolfactory receptor polypeptide, and any technique used in the art may beused for this purpose. For example, it is known that once an odorouscompound has bound to an olfactory receptor polypeptide, G protein incells will be activated and this G protein will in turn activateadenylate cyclase to convert ATP into cyclic AMP (cAMP), therebyincreasing the intracellular level of cAMP. Thus, the response of theolfactory receptor polypeptide can be measured when the level of cAMP ismeasured. The level of cAMP may be measured using ELISA techniques,reporter gene assay techniques, etc. Above all, it is preferred that theresponse of the olfactory receptor polypeptide is measured by reportergene assay techniques using a luminophore (e.g., luciferase).

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the response ofthe olfactory receptor polypeptide may be evaluated on the basis of thefold increase value determined by dividing the results measured in thepresence of 1,5-octadien-3-one by the results measured in the absence of1,5-octadien-3-one. For example, when the response of the olfactoryreceptor polypeptide is measured by reporter gene assay techniques usinga luminophore (e.g., luciferase), evaluation can be made using1,5-octadien-3-one at a concentration which gives a fold increase valueof preferably 2 or more, more preferably 4 or more, and even morepreferably 10 or more.

<Step (ii)>

In step (ii), a test substance is mixed with 1,5-octadien-3-one tomeasure the response of the olfactory receptor used in step (i).

The response of the olfactory receptor polypeptide may be measured inthe same manner as shown in step (i), except that 1,5-octadien-3-one ismixed with the test substance and contacted with the olfactory receptorpolypeptide. For example, the response of the olfactory receptorpolypeptide may be measured on cells isolated from a living bodyexpressing the olfactory receptor polypeptide, or alternatively, theresponse of the olfactory receptor polypeptide may be measured on cellsgenetically engineered to artificially express the olfactory receptorpolypeptide. For proper comparison of the results measured in steps (i)and (ii), the measurement conditions in steps (i) and (ii) arepreferably the same, except for the presence or absence of the testsubstance.

<Step (iii)>

In step (iii), the results measured in steps (i) and (ii) are comparedwith each other to select a test substance causing a reduction in theresponse as a candidate substance for 1,5-octadien-3-oneodor-suppressing materials.

In the present invention, when a reduction in the response is observedas a result of comparing the results measured in steps (i) and (ii), thetest substance used in step (ii) can be evaluated as a candidatesubstance for 1,5-octadien-3-one odor-suppressing materials.

In such a way as described above, test substances can be screened toselect candidate substances for 1,5-octadien-3-one odor-suppressingmaterials. According to the present invention, it is possible to selectcandidate substances for 1,5-octadien-3-one odor-suppressing materialsfrom among many test substances, without causing any problems such asolfactory fatigue and variations among individuals associated withsensory testing by means of the human olfactory sense.

The selected substances can be used as candidate substances for1,5-octadien-3-one odor-suppressing materials. If necessary, theselected substances may be subjected to modifications or the like tothereby develop novel compounds having the most suitable scent. Further,the selected substances may be blended with other fragrance or flavormaterials to thereby develop fragrance or flavor materials capable ofsuppressing the 1,5-octadien-3-one odor and also having the mostsuitable scent. The above screening method can be used to contribute tothe development of new fragrance or flavor materials serving as1,5-octadien-3-one odor-suppressing materials.

3. Screening Method for 1-Octen-3-Ol Odor-Suppressing Materials

The screening method for 1-octen-3-ol odor-suppressing materials used inthe present invention is designed such that test substances are screenedwith olfactory receptor polypeptides responsive to 1-octen-3-ol toselect candidate substances for 1-octen-3-ol odor-suppressing materials.This method is characterized by comprising the following steps:

adding a test substance and 1-octen-3-ol to at least one olfactoryreceptor polypeptide selected from the group consisting of (a) OR2C1 andOR4Q3, and (b) polypeptides which comprise an amino acid sequencesharing an identity of at least 80% with the amino acid sequence of anyof the polypeptides in (a) and which are responsive to 1-octen-3-ol;

measuring the response of the olfactory receptor polypeptide to1-octen-3-ol; and

identifying a test substance that suppresses the response of theolfactory receptor polypeptide on the basis of the measured response,i.e., identifying a test substance that suppresses the response of theolfactory receptor polypeptide on the basis of the measured response asa candidate substance for 1-octen-3-ol odor-suppressing materials.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the screeningmethod for 1-octen-3-ol odor-suppressing materials used in the presentinvention comprises the following steps:

-   -   (i) bringing an olfactory receptor polypeptide selected from the        group consisting of (a) OR2C1 and OR4Q3, and (b) polypeptides        which comprise an amino acid sequence sharing an identity of 80%        or more with the amino acid sequence of any of the polypeptides        in (a) and which are responsive to 1-octen-3-ol into contact        with 1-octen-3-ol to measure the response of the olfactory        receptor polypeptide to 1-octen-3-ol;    -   (ii) mixing a test substance with 1-octen-3-ol to measure the        response of the olfactory receptor polypeptide used in step (i);        and    -   (iii) comparing the results measured in steps (i) and (ii) to        select a test substance causing a reduction in the response as a        candidate substance for 1-octen-3-ol odor-suppressing materials.

The screening method for 1-octen-3-ol odor-suppressing materials used inthe present invention is configured such that candidate substances for1-octen-3-ol odor-suppressing materials are selected from among testsubstances on the basis of the responsiveness of each test substance toan olfactory receptor polypeptide selected from the group consisting ofOR2C1, OR4Q3, and polypeptides which comprise amino acid sequencessharing an identity of 80% or more with the amino acid sequences ofthese polypeptides and which are responsive to offensive odor-causingsubstances.

In the screening method for 1-octen-3-ol odor-suppressing materials usedin the present invention, the term “test substance” is not limited inany way, but it refers to a subject to be tested for its suppressiveeffect on a 1-octen-3-ol odor and is intended to mean a compound, acomposition or a mixture. Likewise, the term “1-octen-3-olodor-suppressing material” is not limited in any way, but it is intendedto mean a compound, a composition or a mixture, which is capable ofsuppressing a 1-octen-3-ol odor. Moreover, the term “1-octen-3-ol odor”is intended to mean an odor originating from 1-octen-3-ol, asexemplified by a mushroom odor, a musty odor, an iron rust odor, anunderarm odor, off-flavors, etc. An explanation will be given below ofeach step.

<Step (i)>

In step (i), an olfactory receptor polypeptide selected from the groupconsisting of OR2C1, OR4Q3, and polypeptides which comprise an aminoacid sequence sharing an identity of 80% or more with the amino acidsequence of any of these polypeptides and which are responsive to1-octen-3-ol is brought into contact with 1-octen-3-ol to measure theresponse of the olfactory receptor polypeptide to 1-octen-3-ol.

The olfactory receptor polypeptide to be used for this purpose is anolfactory receptor polypeptide selected from the group consisting ofOR2C1, OR4Q3, and polypeptides which comprise an amino acid sequencesharing an identity of 80% or more with the amino acid sequence of anyof these polypeptides and which are responsive to 1-octen-3-ol.

OR2C1 has been registered in GenBank under NM_012368, and is apolypeptide consisting of an amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 2) encodedby DNA at positions 53 to 991 of the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ IDNO: 1.

OR4Q3 has been registered in GenBank under NM_172194, and is apolypeptide consisting of an amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 4) encodedby DNA having the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 3.

Since these polypeptides strongly and selectively respond to1-octen-3-ol, the screening method using OR2C1 and/or OR4Q3 can beexpected to contribute to the development of 1-octen-3-olodor-suppressing materials.

As an olfactory receptor, it is also possible to use an olfactoryreceptor polypeptide selected from the group consisting of polypeptideswhich comprise an amino acid sequence sharing an identity of 80% ormore, preferably 85% or more, more preferably 90% or more, even morepreferably 95% or more, and particularly preferably 98% or more with theamino acid sequence possessed by any of these polypeptides (i.e., SEQ IDNO: 2 or 4) and which are responsive to 1-octen-3-ol.

Such olfactory receptor polypeptides may be used alone, or two or moreof them may be used in combination.

In the present invention, there is no particular limitation on how tocontact an olfactory receptor polypeptide with 1-octen-3-ol to measurethe response of the olfactory receptor polypeptide to 1-octen-3-ol. Forexample, the response of the olfactory receptor polypeptide may bemeasured by being contacted with 1-octen-3-ol on cells isolated from aliving body expressing the olfactory receptor polypeptide, oralternatively, the response of the olfactory receptor polypeptide may bemeasured by being contacted with 1-octen-3-ol on cells geneticallyengineered to artificially express the olfactory receptor polypeptide.The time required to contact the olfactory receptor polypeptide with1-octen-3-ol is not determined exactly because it also depends on theconcentration of 1-octen-3-ol and the method used for measurement.However, the response may be measured immediately after their contact,and the time required for their contact is usually 0 to 4 hours, andpreferably 2 to 4 hours. The same goes for when the olfactory receptorpolypeptide is contacted with 1-octen-3-ol in admixture with a testsubstance.

Cells genetically engineered to artificially express the olfactoryreceptor polypeptide may be prepared when cells are transformed with avector carrying a gene encoding the olfactory receptor polypeptide.

In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the N-terminal 20 aminoacid residues of bovine rhodopsin may be integrated together with theolfactory receptor polypeptide. Upon integration of the N-terminal 20amino acid residues of bovine rhodopsin, cell membrane expression of theolfactory receptor polypeptide may be facilitated.

Bovine rhodopsin has been registered in GenBank under NM_001014890.Bovine rhodopsin is a polypeptide consisting of an amino acid sequence(SEQ ID NO: 6) encoded by DNA at positions 1 to 1047 of the nucleotidesequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 5.

Moreover, instead of bovine rhodopsin, it is also possible to use apolypeptide which comprises an amino acid sequence sharing an identityof 80% or more, preferably 85% or more, more preferably 90% or more,even more preferably 95% or more, and particularly preferably 98% ormore with the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 6 and which iscapable of facilitating cell membrane expression of the olfactoryreceptor polypeptide.

It should be noted that amino acid residues of not only bovine rhodopsinbut also any other polypeptides may be used as long as they canfacilitate cell membrane expression of the olfactory receptorpolypeptide.

There is no particular limitation on how to measure the response of theolfactory receptor polypeptide, and any technique used in the art may beused for this purpose. For example, it is known that once an odorouscompound has bound to an olfactory receptor polypeptide, G protein incells will be activated and this G protein will in turn activateadenylate cyclase to convert ATP into cyclic AMP (cAMP), therebyincreasing the intracellular level of cAMP. Thus, the response of theolfactory receptor polypeptide can be measured when the level of cAMP ismeasured. The level of cAMP may be measured using ELISA techniques,reporter gene assay techniques, etc. Above all, it is preferred that theresponse of the olfactory receptor polypeptide is measured by reportergene assay techniques using a luminophore (e.g., luciferase).

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the response ofthe olfactory receptor polypeptide may be evaluated on the basis of thefold increase value determined by dividing the results measured in thepresence of 1-octen-3-ol by the results measured in the absence of1-octen-3-ol. For example, when the response of the olfactory receptorpolypeptide is measured by reporter gene assay techniques using aluminophore (e.g., luciferase), evaluation can be made using1-octen-3-ol at a concentration which gives a fold increase value ofpreferably 2 or more, more preferably 4 or more, and even morepreferably 10 or more.

<Step (ii)>

In step (ii), a test substance is mixed with 1-octen-3-ol to measure theresponse of the olfactory receptor used in step (i).

The response of the olfactory receptor polypeptide may be measured inthe same manner as shown in step (i), except that 1-octen-3-ol is mixedwith the test substance and contacted with the olfactory receptorpolypeptide. For example, the response of the olfactory receptorpolypeptide may be measured on cells isolated from a living bodyexpressing the olfactory receptor polypeptide, or alternatively, theresponse of the olfactory receptor polypeptide may be measured on cellsgenetically engineered to artificially express the olfactory receptorpolypeptide. For proper comparison of the results measured in steps (i)and (ii), the measurement conditions in steps (i) and (ii) arepreferably the same, except for the presence or absence of the testsubstance.

<Step (iii)>

In step (iii), the results measured in steps (i) and (ii) are comparedwith each other to select a test substance causing a reduction in theresponse as a candidate substance for 1-octen-3-ol odor-suppressingmaterials.

In the present invention, when a reduction in the response is observedas a result of comparing the results measured in steps (i) and (ii), thetest substance used in step (ii) can be evaluated as a candidatesubstance for 1-octen-3-ol odor-suppressing materials.

In such a way as described above, test substances can be screened toselect candidate substances for 1-octen-3-ol odor-suppressing materials.According to the present invention, it is possible to select candidatesubstances for 1-octen-3-ol odor-suppressing materials from among manytest substances, without causing any problems such as olfactory fatigueand variations among individuals associated with sensory testing bymeans of the human olfactory sense.

The selected substances can be used as candidate substances for1-octen-3-ol odor-suppressing materials. If necessary, the selectedsubstances may be subjected to modifications or the like to therebydevelop novel compounds having the most suitable scent. Further, theselected substances may be blended with other fragrance or flavormaterials to thereby develop fragrance or flavor materials capable ofsuppressing the 1-octen-3-ol odor and also having the most suitablescent. The above screening method can be used to contribute to thedevelopment of new fragrance or flavor materials serving as 1-octen-3-olodor-suppressing materials.

4. Screening Method for 1,5-Octadien-3-Ol Odor-Suppressing Materials

The screening method for 1,5-octadien-3-ol odor-suppressing materialsused in the present invention is designed such that test substances arescreened with olfactory receptor polypeptides responsive to1,5-octadien-3-ol to select candidate substances for 1,5-octadien-3-olodor-suppressing materials. This method is characterized by comprisingthe following steps:

adding a test substance and 1,5-octadien-3-ol to at least one olfactoryreceptor polypeptide selected from the group consisting of (a) OR2C1 andOR4Q3, and (b) polypeptides which comprise an amino acid sequencesharing an identity of at least 80% with the amino acid sequence of anyof the polypeptides in (a) and which are responsive to1,5-octadien-3-ol;

measuring the response of the olfactory receptor polypeptide to1,5-octadien-3-ol; and

identifying a test substance that suppresses the response of theolfactory receptor polypeptide on the basis of the measured response,i.e., identifying a test substance that suppresses the response of theolfactory receptor polypeptide on the basis of the measured response asa candidate substance for 1,5-octadien-3-ol odor-suppressing materials.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the screeningmethod for 1,5-octadien-3-ol odor-suppressing materials used in thepresent invention comprises the following steps:

-   -   (i) bringing an olfactory receptor polypeptide selected from the        group consisting of (a) OR2C1 and OR4Q3, and (b) polypeptides        which comprise an amino acid sequence sharing an identity of 80%        or more with the amino acid sequence of any of the polypeptides        in (a) and which are responsive to 1,5-octadien-3-ol into        contact with 1,5-octadien-3-ol to measure the response of the        olfactory receptor polypeptide to 1,5-octadien-3-ol;    -   (ii) mixing a test substance with 1,5-octadien-3-ol to measure        the response of the olfactory receptor polypeptide used in step        (i); and    -   (iii) comparing the results measured in steps (i) and (ii) to        select a test substance causing a reduction in the response as a        candidate substance for 1,5-octadien-3-ol odor-suppressing        materials.

The screening method for 1,5-octadien-3-ol odor-suppressing materialsused in the present invention is configured such that candidatesubstances for 1,5-octadien-3-ol odor-suppressing materials are selectedfrom among test substances on the basis of the responsiveness of eachtest substance to an olfactory receptor polypeptide selected from thegroup consisting of OR2C1, OR4Q3, and polypeptides which comprise aminoacid sequences sharing an identity of 80% or more with the amino acidsequences of these polypeptides and which are responsive to offensiveodor-causing substances.

In the screening method for 1,5-octadien-3-ol odor-suppressing materialsused in the present invention, the term “test substance” is not limitedin any way, but it refers to a subject to be tested for its suppressiveeffect on a 1,5-octadien-3-ol odor and is intended to mean a compound, acomposition or a mixture. Likewise, the term “1,5-octadien-3-olodor-suppressing material” is not limited in any way, but it is intendedto mean a compound, a composition or a mixture, which is capable ofsuppressing a 1,5-octadien-3-ol odor. Moreover, the term“1,5-octadien-3-ol odor” is intended to mean an odor originating from1,5-octadien-3-ol, as exemplified by a mushroom odor, a musty odor, aniron rust odor, an underarm odor, off-flavors, etc. An explanation willbe given below of each step.

<Step (i)>

In step (i), an olfactory receptor polypeptide selected from the groupconsisting of OR2C1, OR4Q3, and polypeptides which comprise an aminoacid sequence sharing an identity of 80% or more with the amino acidsequence of any of these polypeptides and which are responsive to1,5-octadien-3-ol is brought into contact with 1,5-octadien-3-ol tomeasure the response of the olfactory receptor polypeptide to1,5-octadien-3-ol.

The olfactory receptor polypeptide to be used for this purpose is anolfactory receptor polypeptide selected from the group consisting ofOR2C1, OR4Q3, and polypeptides which comprise an amino acid sequencesharing an identity of 80% or more with the amino acid sequence of anyof these polypeptides and which are responsive to 1,5-octadien-3-ol.

OR2C1 has been registered in GenBank under NM_012368, and is apolypeptide consisting of an amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 2) encodedby DNA at positions 53 to 991 of the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ IDNO: 1.

OR4Q3 has been registered in GenBank under NM_172194, and is apolypeptide consisting of an amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 4) encodedby DNA having the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 3.

Since these polypeptides strongly and selectively respond to1,5-octadien-3-ol, the screening method using OR2C1 and/or OR4Q3 can beexpected to contribute to the development of 1,5-octadien-3-olodor-suppressing materials.

As an olfactory receptor, it is also possible to use an olfactoryreceptor polypeptide selected from the group consisting of polypeptideswhich comprise an amino acid sequence sharing an identity of 80% ormore, preferably 85% or more, more preferably 90% or more, even morepreferably 95% or more, and particularly preferably 98% or more with theamino acid sequence possessed by any of these polypeptides (i.e., SEQ IDNO: 2 or 4) and which are responsive to 1,5-octadien-3-ol.

Such olfactory receptor polypeptides may be used alone, or two or moreof them may be used in combination.

In the present invention, there is no particular limitation on how tocontact an olfactory receptor polypeptide with 1,5-octadien-3-ol tomeasure the response of the olfactory receptor polypeptide to1,5-octadien-3-ol. For example, the response of the olfactory receptorpolypeptide may be measured by being contacted with 1,5-octadien-3-ol oncells isolated from a living body expressing the olfactory receptorpolypeptide, or alternatively, the response of the olfactory receptorpolypeptide may be measured by being contacted with 1,5-octadien-3-ol oncells genetically engineered to artificially express the olfactoryreceptor polypeptide. The time required to contact the olfactoryreceptor polypeptide with 1,5-octadien-3-ol is not determined exactlybecause it also depends on the concentration of 1,5-octadien-3-ol andthe method used for measurement. However, the response may be measuredimmediately after their contact, and the time required for their contactis usually 0 to 4 hours, and preferably 2 to 4 hours. The same goes forwhen the olfactory receptor polypeptide is contacted with1,5-octadien-3-ol in admixture with a test substance.

Cells genetically engineered to artificially express the olfactoryreceptor polypeptide may be prepared when cells are transformed with avector carrying a gene encoding the olfactory receptor polypeptide.

In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the N-terminal 20 aminoacid residues of bovine rhodopsin may be integrated together with theolfactory receptor polypeptide. Upon integration of the N-terminal 20amino acid residues of bovine rhodopsin, cell membrane expression of theolfactory receptor polypeptide may be facilitated.

Bovine rhodopsin has been registered in GenBank under NM_001014890.Bovine rhodopsin is a polypeptide consisting of an amino acid sequence(SEQ ID NO: 6) encoded by DNA at positions 1 to 1047 of the nucleotidesequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 5.

Moreover, instead of bovine rhodopsin, it is also possible to use apolypeptide which comprises an amino acid sequence sharing an identityof 80% or more, preferably 85% or more, more preferably 90% or more,even more preferably 95% or more, and particularly preferably 98% ormore with the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 6 and which iscapable of facilitating cell membrane expression of the olfactoryreceptor polypeptide.

It should be noted that amino acid residues of not only bovine rhodopsinbut also any other polypeptides may be used as long as they canfacilitate cell membrane expression of the olfactory receptorpolypeptide.

There is no particular limitation on how to measure the response of theolfactory receptor polypeptide, and any technique used in the art may beused for this purpose. For example, it is known that once an odorouscompound has bound to an olfactory receptor polypeptide, G protein incells will be activated and this G protein will in turn activateadenylate cyclase to convert ATP into cyclic AMP (cAMP), therebyincreasing the intracellular level of cAMP. Thus, the response of theolfactory receptor polypeptide can be measured when the level of cAMP ismeasured. The level of cAMP may be measured using ELISA techniques,reporter gene assay techniques, etc. Above all, it is preferred that theresponse of the olfactory receptor polypeptide is measured by reportergene assay techniques using a luminophore (e.g., luciferase).

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the response ofthe olfactory receptor polypeptide may be evaluated on the basis of thefold increase value determined by dividing the results measured in thepresence of 1,5-octadien-3-ol by the results measured in the absence of1,5-octadien-3-ol. For example, when the response of the olfactoryreceptor polypeptide is measured by reporter gene assay techniques usinga luminophore (e.g., luciferase), evaluation can be made using1,5-octadien-3-ol at a concentration which gives a fold increase valueof preferably 2 or more, more preferably 4 or more, and even morepreferably 10 or more.

<Step (ii)>

In step (ii), a test substance is mixed with 1,5-octadien-3-ol tomeasure the response of the olfactory receptor used in step (i).

The response of the olfactory receptor polypeptide may be measured inthe same manner as shown in step (i), except that 1,5-octadien-3-ol ismixed with the test substance and contacted with the olfactory receptorpolypeptide. For example, the response of the olfactory receptorpolypeptide may be measured on cells isolated from a living bodyexpressing the olfactory receptor polypeptide, or alternatively, theresponse of the olfactory receptor polypeptide may be measured on cellsgenetically engineered to artificially express the olfactory receptorpolypeptide. For proper comparison of the results measured in steps (i)and (ii), the measurement conditions in steps (i) and (ii) arepreferably the same, except for the presence or absence of the testsubstance.

<Step (iii)>

In step (iii), the results measured in steps (i) and (ii) are comparedwith each other to select a test substance causing a reduction in theresponse as a candidate substance for 1,5-octadien-3-ol odor-suppressingmaterials.

In the present invention, when a reduction in the response is observedas a result of comparing the results measured in steps (i) and (ii), thetest substance used in step (ii) can be evaluated as a candidatesubstance for 1,5-octadien-3-ol odor-suppressing materials.

In such a way as described above, test substances can be screened toselect candidate substances for 1,5-octadien-3-ol odor-suppressingmaterials. According to the present invention, it is possible to selectcandidate substances for 1,5-octadien-3-ol odor-suppressing materialsfrom among many test substances, without causing any problems such asolfactory fatigue and variations among individuals associated withsensory testing by means of the human olfactory sense.

The selected substances can be used as candidate substances for1,5-octadien-3-ol odor-suppressing materials. If necessary, the selectedsubstances may be subjected to modifications or the like to therebydevelop novel compounds having the most suitable scent. Further, theselected substances may be blended with other fragrance or flavormaterials to thereby develop fragrance or flavor materials capable ofsuppressing the 1,5-octadien-3-ol odor and also having the most suitablescent. The above screening method can be used to contribute to thedevelopment of new fragrance or flavor materials serving as1,5-octadien-3-ol odor-suppressing materials.

3. Fragrance or Flavor Composition

The above screening method can be used to select an offensiveodor-suppressing material suitable for each offensive odor-causingsubstance, and such an offensive odor-suppressing material can be usedas an active ingredient to give an offensive odor-suppressingcomposition for each intended purpose.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the fragrance or flavorcomposition of the present invention comprises at least one selectedfrom the group consisting of the following group (A) as an activeingredient.

Moreover, in one embodiment of the present invention, the fragrance orflavor composition of the present invention preferably comprises atleast one selected from the group consisting of compounds of thefollowing group (B) as an additional active ingredient, and preferablycomprises at least one compound selected from each of the following twogroups (A) and (B) as active ingredients.

The group (A) includes Hindinol®(2-methyl-4-(2,2,3-trimethylcyclopent-3-enyl)but-2-en-1-ol (also knownas 2-methyl-4-(2,2,3-trimethyl-3-cyclopentenyl)-2-buten-1-ol)),Dextramber® (1-(2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexyl)hexan-3-ol), MUSK T®(1,4-dioxacycloheptadecane-5,17-dione), eucalyptus oil, patchouli oil,vetiver oil and so on.

The amount of the group (A) in the fragrance or flavor composition ofthe present invention is not limited strictly, and is preferably 0.0001%by mass or more, more preferably 0.001% to 20% by mass, and even morepreferably 0.01% to 10% by mass.

The group (B) includes tetrahydro-4-methyl-2-(2-methylpropenyl)-2H-pyran(rose oxide), 2-propenyl (3-methylbutyloxy)acetate (allyl amylglycolate), ethyl 2-methylvalerate (manzanate),2,6-dimethyl-7-octen-2-ol (dihydromyrcenol), 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienenitrile (citronellal), benzyl acetate, p-t-butylcyclohexyl acetate(Verdox), 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadiene nitrile (geranyl nitrile),2,4,6-trimethyl-4-phenyl-1,3-dioxane (Floropal), 5-hexyloxolan-2-one(γ-decalactone), 4-methyl-3-decen-5-ol (Undecavertol),3-methyl-2-(cis-2-pentenyl)-2-cyclopenten-1-one (cis-jasmone),3,7-dimethyl-6-octen-1-ol (citronellol), 1-phenylethyl acetate (styralylacetate), (E)-1-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl)-2-buten-1-oneβ-damascone) and so on.

The amount of the group (B) in the fragrance or flavor composition ofthe present invention is not limited strictly, and is preferably 0.0001%by mass or more, more preferably 0.001% to 20% by mass, and even morepreferably 0.01% to 10% by mass.

In the case of using the group A in combination with the group B, thegroup A:group B ratio (by mass) is preferably 95%:5% to 5%:95%, morepreferably 90%:10% to 10%:90%, and even more preferably 70%:30% to30%:70%.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, a fragrance orflavor composition comprising the above groups A and B suppressesage-related body odors, underarm odors and musty odors, which areoffensive odors composed of at least one selected from trans-2-nonenal,trans-2-octenal, 1-octen-3-one, 1,5-octadien-3-one, 1-octen-3-ol and1,5-octadien-3-ol.

The fragrance or flavor composition of the present invention ispreferably used as a fragrance composition for suppressing offensiveodors (i.e., as an offensive odor-suppressing composition).

For example, the fragrance or flavor composition of the presentinvention is preferably used as a fragrance composition for suppressingone or more offensive odors selected from the group consisting ofage-related body odors, underarm odors and musty odors. The aboveoffensive odors are preferably composed of at least one selected fromthe group consisting of trans-2-nonenal, trans-2-octenal, 1-octen-3-one,1,5-octadien-3-one, 1-octen-3-ol and 1,5-octadien-3-ol.

The fragrance or flavor composition of the present invention maycomprise known fragrances or commonly used additives as described belowwithin the range that will not impair the effect of the presentinvention, i.e., within the quantitative and qualitative range that canovercome the olfactory offensiveness associated with one or moreoffensive odors selected from the group consisting of age-related bodyodors, underarm odors and musty odors.

Examples of known fragrances include hydrocarbons (e.g., α-pinene,limonene, cedrene); aliphatic saturated or unsaturated alcohols (e.g.,nonanol, cis-3-hexenol); saturated or unsaturated linear terpenealcohols (e.g., myrcenol, tetrahydrolinalool, nerol); cyclic terpenealcohols (e.g., α-terpineol, bornyl methoxy cyclohexanol); sesquiterpenealcohols (e.g., farnesol); aromatic alcohols (e.g., γ-phenylpropylalcohol, dimethylbenzylcarbinol); aliphatic aldehydes, terpene-basedaldehydes, aromatic aldehydes, aliphatic ketones (e.g., Iso E Super(7-acetyl-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro-1,1,6,7-tetramethylnaphthalene));terpene-based cyclic ketones, cyclic ketones, aliphatic esters, aceticacid esters, propionic acid esters, butyric acid esters, benzoic acidesters, phenylacetic acid esters, salicylic acid esters, anthranilicacid esters and so on. The amount of these known fragrances in thefragrance composition of the present invention may be selected asappropriate depending on the type of fragrance to be used and/or theintended purpose, and is not limited in any way.

The fragrance composition of the present invention may be incorporatedinto, e.g., perfumery and cosmetics together with commonly usedadditives, depending on its form or its dosage form.

Examples of commonly used additives include known UV absorbers;algefacients (e.g., menthol, methyl salicylate); skin stimulants (e.g.,capsicum tincture, nonylic vanillylamide), and so on. The amount ofthese commonly used additives is not limited in any way, but it iswithin the range of approximately 0.005% to 5.0% by mass relative to thetotal mass of the fragrance composition of the present invention.

4. Product Comprising the Fragrance or Flavor Composition

The fragrance or flavor composition of the present invention may beincorporated as a scent component in an amount commonly used in the artinto, for example, products such as fragrance products, perfumery andcosmetics, basic cosmetics, make-up cosmetics, hair cosmetics, sun carecosmetics, medicated cosmetics, hair care products, soaps, bodycleansers, bath preparations, fabric detergents, soft-finishing agents,detergents, kitchen detergents, bleaching agents, aerosols, airfresheners, repellents and/or sundry goods, whereby its unique scent canbe imparted and a suppressive effect on particular offensive odors canalso be imparted to enhance the commercial value of these products.

Examples of fragrance products include perfume, eau de parfum, eau detoilette, eau de cologne, and so on; examples of basic cosmetics includeface wash cream, vanishing cream, cleansing cream, cold cream, massagecream, skin milk, lotion, essence, facial pack, make-up remover, and soon; examples of make-up cosmetics include foundation, lipstick, lippomade, and so on; examples of hair cosmetics include hair tonic, hairliquid, hair spray, and so on; examples of sun care cosmetics includesuntan products, sunscreen products, and so on; and examples ofmedicated cosmetics include antiperspirant, after shaving lotion andgel, permanent waving agent, medicated soap, medicated shampoo,medicated skin cosmetics, and so on.

Examples of hair care products include shampoo, conditioner, two-in-oneshampoo, hair conditioner, hair treatment, hair pack, and so on;examples of soaps include toilet soap, bath soap, and so on; examples ofbody cleansers include body wash, body shampoo, hand wash, and so on;and examples of bath preparations include bath additives (e.g., bathsalt, bath tablet, bath liquid), foam bath (e.g., bubble bath), bath oil(e.g., bath perfume, bath capsule), milk bath, bath gel, bath cube andso on.

Examples of fabric detergents include heavy fabric detergent, lightfabric detergent, liquid detergent, laundry soap, concentrateddetergent, powdered soap, and so on; examples of soft-finishing agentsinclude softener, furniture care, and so on; examples of detergentsinclude cleanser, household cleaner, toilet detergent, bath detergent,glass cleaner, mold remover, drain detergent, and so on; examples ofkitchen detergents include kitchen soap, kitchen synthetic soap, dishdetergent, and so on; examples of bleaching agents include oxidizingbleaching agents (e.g., chlorine-based bleaching agent, oxygen-basedbleaching agent), reducing bleaching agents (e.g., sulfur-basedbleaching agent), optical bleaching agents, and so on; examples ofaerosols include those of spray type, powder spray, and so on; examplesof air fresheners include those of solid type, gel type or liquid type,and so on; and examples of sundry goods include those of various formssuch as tissue paper, toilet paper, and so on.

When the fragrance or flavor composition of the present invention isused in the above products, the composition may be used as such orconverted into any form depending on the intended purpose, asexemplified by a liquid form dissolved in an alcohol or a polyhydricalcohol (e.g., propylene glycol, glycerin); a solubilized or dispersedform solubilized or dispersed with a surfactant (e.g., a nonionicsurfactant, an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, an amphotericsurfactant); or a microcapsule form obtained by treatment with anencapsulating agent, etc.

Further, the above fragrance or flavor composition may be used in astable and sustained release form by being included in an inclusionagent such as cyclodextrin. These forms are suitable as final productforms (e.g., liquid, solid, powder, gel, mist and aerosol forms) and maybe selected as appropriate.

The amount of the fragrance or flavor composition of the presentinvention is not limited in any way, but it is within the range ofapproximately 0.0001% to 30% by mass relative to the total mass of theproduct.

Further, the fragrance or flavor composition of the present inventiondoes not serve as an odorant by itself, but is used by beingincorporated into a profragrance which has the ability to release theabove fragrance composition under use/application conditions. In thiscase, the amount of the fragrance composition of the present inventionis not limited in any way, but it is within the range of approximately0.0001% to 30% by mass relative to the total mass of the product.

Moreover, the fragrance or flavor composition of the present inventionmay also be used as a flavor composition in food and beverage products.

The flavor composition of the present invention may comprise knownflavorings or commonly used additives as described below within therange that will not impair the effect of the present invention, i.e.,within the quantitative and qualitative range that can reduceoff-flavors from food and beverage products. The flavor composition ofthe present invention may also be incorporated into a composition fororal use within the range that will not impair the effect of the presentinvention.

Other components which may be incorporated into the flavor compositionof the present invention include various synthetic flavorings, naturalflavorings, natural essential oils, plant extracts and so on, asexemplified by natural essential oils, natural fragrances or flavorings,synthetic fragrances or flavorings and so on as appear in “JapanesePatent Office Bulletin, Collection of Well-known Prior Arts (Flavoringsand Fragrances) Part II Food Flavors, P88 to 131, published on Jan. 14,2000.”

The flavor composition of the present invention may optionally contain,for example, a solvent (e.g., water, ethanol) and/or a fixative (e.g.,ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, hexylene glycol,glycerin, triethyl citrate, medium chain fatty acid triglyceride, mediumchain fatty acid diglyceride), which are commonly used.

The food and beverage products intended in the present inventioninclude:

beverages such as fruit drinks, fruit liquors, milk beverages,carbonated beverages, soft drinks, and drinkable preparations; teabeverages or palatable beverages such as green tea, oolong tea, blacktea, persimmon leaf tea, chamomile tea, kumazasa (Sasa albo-marginata)tea, mulberry leaf tea, dokudami (Houttuynia cordata) tea, pu-erh tea,mate tea, rooibos tea, gymnema tea, guava tea, coffee, and cocoa; soupssuch as Japanese soups, western soups, and Chinese soups; variousinstant beverages, etc.; and

frozen desserts such as ice creams, sorbets, and ice lollies; dessertssuch as jellies and puddings; western confectionery such as cakes,cookies, chocolates, and chewing gums; Japanese confectionery such asmanju (sweet bean paste buns), yokan (sweet bean paste jelly), and uiro(sweet rice jelly); jams; candies; bakery products; flavorings andseasonings; various instant foods; various junk foods, etc.

The above composition for oral use includes dentifrices, oral washes,mouth washes, troches, chewing gums., etc.

The amount of the fragrance or flavor composition of the presentinvention as a flavor composition is not limited in any way, but it iswithin the range of approximately 0.0001% to 30% by mass relative to thetotal mass of the food and beverage product.

5. Method for Suppressing Offensive Odors

The fragrance or flavor composition of the present invention can be usedto suppress offensive odors.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the abovefragrance composition is applied to one or more offensive odors selectedfrom the group consisting of age-related body odors, underarm odors andmusty odors to thereby suppress one or more offensive odors selectedfrom the group consisting of age-related body odors, underarm odors andmusty odors. Namely, the present invention provides a method forsuppressing one or more offensive odors selected from the groupconsisting of age-related body odors, underarm odors and musty odors,which comprises applying the above fragrance composition to one or moreoffensive odors selected from the group consisting of age-related bodyodors, underarm odors and musty odors to thereby suppress one or moreoffensive odors selected from the group consisting of age-related bodyodors, underarm odors and musty odors.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the abovefragrance composition can be applied to one or more offensive odorsselected from the group consisting of age-related body odors andunderarm odors to thereby suppress one or more offensive odors selectedfrom the group consisting of age-related body odors and underarm odors.Namely, the present invention provides a method for suppressing one ormore offensive odors selected from the group consisting of age-relatedbody odors and underarm odors, which comprises applying the abovefragrance composition to one or more offensive odors selected from thegroup consisting of age-related body odors and underarm odors to therebysuppress one or more offensive odors selected from the group consistingof age-related body odors and underarm odors.

Moreover, according to another embodiment of the present invention, theabove fragrance or flavor composition can be applied to one or moreoffensive odors (e.g., musty odors) selected from the group consistingof a 1-octen-3-ol odor and a 1,5-octadien-3-ol odor to thereby suppressone or more offensive odors selected from the group consisting of a1-octen-3-ol odor and a 1,5-octadien-3-ol odor. Namely, the presentinvention provides a method for suppressing one or more offensive odorsselected from the group consisting of a 1-octen-3-ol odor and a1,5-octadien-3-ol odor, which comprises applying the above fragrance orflavor composition to one or more offensive odors selected from thegroup consisting of a 1-octen-3-ol odor and a 1,5-octadien-3-ol odor tothereby suppress one or more offensive odors selected from the groupconsisting of a 1-octen-3-ol odor and a 1,5-octadien-3-ol odor.

There is no particular limitation on how to apply the fragrance orflavor composition of the present invention to offensive odors. Forexample, the fragrance or flavor composition of the present inventioncan be applied to offensive odors when a product comprising the abovefragrance or flavor composition is used. How to use such a product maybe selected as appropriate, depending on the form of the product.

EXAMPLES

The present invention will be further described in more detail below byway of the following illustrative examples, although the presentinvention is not limited to these examples.

Example 1 Measurement of Olfactory Receptor Response to 1-Octen-3-one(1) Cloning of Olfactory Receptor Genes

Human olfactory receptor genes were obtained by PCR cloning with HumanGenomic DNA: Female (Promega) on the basis of their sequence informationregistered in GenBank. Into pME18S vectors, the N-terminal 20 amino acidresidues of bovine rhodopsin were integrated and the resulting humanolfactory receptor genes were integrated respectively downstream thereofto obtain human olfactory receptor gene expression vectors.

(2) Expression of Olfactory Receptor Genes in HEK293T Cells

Each human olfactory receptor gene expression vector (0.05 μg), RTP1Svector (0.01 μg), firefly luciferase vector pGL4.29 containing a cAMPresponse element promoter (Promega, 0.01 μg) and Renilla luciferasevector pGL4.74 containing a thymidine kinase promoter (Promega, 0.005μg) were dissolved in 10 μL of Opti-MEMI (gibco) to give a gene solution(for one well). HEK293T cells were seeded in 100 μL volumes into 96-wellplates (Biocoat, Corning) at a cell density reaching confluence after 24hours, and the gene solutions were added to the respective wells tocause gene transfer into the cells by lipofection techniques inaccordance with the usage of Lipofectamine 3000, followed by culture at37° C. under a 5% carbon dioxide atmosphere for 24 hours.

(3) Luciferase Reporter Gene Assay

After removal of the culture solutions, an odorous substance serving asan analyte, which had been prepared at a given concentration with CD293(gibco) medium (supplemented with 20 μM L-glutamine), was added in 50 μLvolumes to stimulate the cells for 3 hours, followed by luciferaseactivity measurement in accordance with the usage of a Dual-LuciferaseReporter Assay System (Promega). The response intensity of eacholfactory receptor polypeptide was expressed as a fold increase value,which was determined by dividing the luciferase activity generated uponstimulation with the odorous substance by the luciferase activitygenerated in a test system not containing the odorous substance.

(4) Identification of Olfactory Receptor Polypeptides Responding to1-octen-3-one

The cells engineered to express human olfactory receptors OR2C1 andOR4Q3 were used to measure the response of these receptors to variousconcentrations of 1-octen-3-one by the luciferase reporter gene assay.The results obtained are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , respectively. Thesetwo receptors were both found to respond to 1-octen-3-one in aconcentration-dependent manner. In contrast, no response was observed ina Mock test using cells not engineered to express the olfactoryreceptors. Namely, OR2C1 and OR4Q3 were shown to specifically respond to1-octen-3-one.

Example 2

Measurement of Olfactory Receptor Response to 1,5-octadien-3-one

According to the same procedure as shown in Example 1, the cellsengineered to express human olfactory receptors OR2C1 and OR4Q3 wereused to measure the response of these receptors to variousconcentrations of 1,5-octadien-3-one by the luciferase reporter geneassay. The results obtained are shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , respectively.These two receptors were both found to respond to 1,5-octadien-3-one ina concentration-dependent manner. In contrast, no response was observedin a Mock test. Namely, OR2C1 and OR4Q3 were shown to specificallyrespond to 1,5-octadien-3-one.

Example 3

Measurement of Olfactory Receptor Response to 1-octen-3-ol

According to the same procedure as shown in Example 1, the cellsengineered to express human olfactory receptor OR4Q3 were used tomeasure the response of this receptor to various concentrations of1-octen-3-ol by the luciferase reporter gene assay. The results obtainedare shown in FIG. 5 . OR4Q3 was found to respond to 1-octen-3-ol in aconcentration-dependent manner. In contrast, no response was observed ina Mock test. Namely, OR4Q3 was shown to specifically respond to1-octen-3-ol.

Example 4

Measurement of Olfactory Receptor Response to 1,5-octadien-3-ol

According to the same procedure as shown in Example 1, the cellsengineered to express human olfactory receptor OR4Q3 were used tomeasure the response of this receptor to various concentrations of1,5-octadien-3-ol by the luciferase reporter gene assay. The resultsobtained are shown in FIG. 6 . OR4Q3 was found to respond to1,5-octadien-3-ol in a concentration-dependent manner. In contrast, noresponse was observed in a Mock test. Namely, OR4Q3 was shown tospecifically respond to 1,5-octadien-3-ol.

Example 5

Evaluation of Offensive Odor-Suppressing Materials for their SuppressiveEffect on the Response of OR2C1 to 1-octen-3-one odor

According to the same procedure as shown in Example 1, offensiveodor-suppressing materials2-methyl-4-(2,2,3-trimethylcyclopent-3-enyl)but-2-en-1-ol (also known as2-methyl-4-(2,2,3-trimethyl-3-cyclopentenyl)-2-buten-1-ol) (Hindinol®)and 1-(2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexyl)hexan-3-ol (Dextramber®) were eachmixed at various concentrations with 30 μM 1-octen-3-one, and the cellsengineered to express OR2C1 were used to measure the response of thisreceptor to 1-octen-3-one. The ratio of the fold increase value obtainedin the test using the offensive odor-suppressing materials wasdetermined assuming that the fold increase value obtained in the testwithout mixing the offensive odor-suppressing materials was set to 100.The results obtained are shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , respectively.2-Methyl-4-(2,2,3-trimethylcyclopent-3-enyl)but-2-en-1-ol and1-(2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexyl)hexan-3-ol both showed the effect ofreducing the response of OR2C1 to 1-octen-3-one in aconcentration-dependent manner.

Example 6

Evaluation of Offensive Odor-Suppressing Materials for their SuppressiveEffect on the Response of OR2C1 to trans-2-nonenal Odor

According to the same procedure as shown in Example 5, offensiveodor-suppressing materials2-methyl-4-(2,2,3-trimethylcyclopent-3-enyl)but-2-en-1-ol (Hindinol®)and 1-(2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexyl)hexan-3-ol (Dextramber®) were eachmixed at various concentrations with 60 μM trans-2-nonenal, and thecells engineered to express OR2C1 were used to measure the response ofthis receptor to trans-2-nonenal. The results obtained are shown inFIGS. 9 and 10 , respectively.2-Methyl-4-(2,2,3-trimethylcyclopent-3-enyl)but-2-en-1-ol and1-(2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexyl)hexan-3-ol both showed the effect ofreducing the response of OR2C1 to trans-2-nonenal in aconcentration-dependent manner.

Example 7

<Evaluation of the Group A for their Ability to Suppress OffensiveOdors>

Test substances having inhibitory activity on receptor activity wereconfirmed for their ability to suppress offensive odors by sensorytesting. As offensive odors, trans-2-nonenal diluted 1000-fold withtriethyl citrate, trans-2-octenal diluted 1000-fold with triethylcitrate, 1-octen-3-one diluted 100-fold with triethyl citrate,1,5-octadien-3-one diluted 1000-fold with triethyl citrate, 1-octen-3-oldiluted 100-fold with triethyl citrate, and 1,5-octadien-3-ol diluted100-fold with triethyl citrate were each added dropwise separately in avolume of 10 μl and a test substance was added dropwise in a volume of 1μl to a cotton ball, which was then enclosed in a plastic bottle(OZO-40, Takemoto Yohki Co., Ltd., Japan). Each bottle was allowed tostand for 1 hour at room temperature to fully volatilize odor moleculesin the bottle. Sensory testing was made by 10 panelists assuming thatthe odor intensity was set to 8 for each offensive odor when addeddropwise alone, whereby the offensive odor intensity when a testsubstance was mixed was evaluated between 0 and 10. The resultingnumerical values were used to calculate their mean value. The resultsobtained are shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Offensive odor intensity Trans-2- Trans-2- 1-Octen-3-1,5-Octadien- 1-Octen-3- 1,5-Octadien- Test substance nonenal octenalone 3-one ol 3-ol Offensive odor 8.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 alone Hindinol3.0 2.8 2.6 2.5 2.2 2.1 Dextramber 2.8 2.2 2.3 2.6 2.0 1.9 MUSK T 2.92.9 2.8 3.2 3.2 3.0 Eucalyptus oil 2.1 1.9 1.4 1.7 1.6 1.1 Patchouli oil2.4 2.5 2.0 2.2 2.5 2.0 Vetiver oil 3.3 2.9 1.8 2.4 2.5 1.9 Benzylsalicylate 7.9 7.5 7.5 7.8 7.0 6.5

Hindinol suppressing the response of OR2C1 to 1-octen-3-one was found tosignificantly suppress the odor of 1-octen-3-one. This suppression of1-octen-3-one was significant in comparison with when the controlsubstance (benzyl salicylate) was mixed. Moreover, as a result ofexamination for trans-2-nonenal, trans-2-octenal, 1,5-octadien-3-one,1-octen-3-ol and 1,5-octadien-3-ol, these offensive odors were alsosuppressed by Hindinol. It should be noted that other substancessuppressing the response of OR2C1 (i.e., Dextramber, MUSK T, eucalyptusoil, patchouli oil and vetiver oil) were also verified for theirsuppressive effect on offensive odors, indicating that these substanceswere all found to suppress each offensive odor.

Example 8 <Evaluation of the Ability to Suppress Offensive Odors UponCombination of the Group A and the Group B>

In accordance with the formulae indicated in Tables 2 to 7 below,fragrance compositions 1 to 48 were prepared.

These fragrance compositions 1 to 48 were confirmed for their ability tosuppress offensive odors by sensory testing. As offensive odors, themodel age-related body odor, the model underarm odor and the model mustyodor indicated in Tables 8 to 10 below were each diluted 100-fold andadded dropwise separately in a volume of 10 ILL and fragrancecompositions 1 to 48 were each added dropwise separately in a volume of1 μl as a test substance to a cotton ball, which was then enclosed in aplastic bottle (OZO-40, Takemoto Yohki Co., Ltd., Japan). Each bottlewas allowed to stand for 1 hour at room temperature to fully volatilizeodor molecules in the bottle. Sensory testing was made by 10 panelistsassuming that the odor intensity was set to 8 for each offensive odorwhen added dropwise alone, whereby the offensive odor intensity when atest substance was mixed was evaluated between 0 and 10. The resultingnumerical values were used to calculate their mean value. The resultsobtained are shown in Tables 2 to 7.

Hindinol suppressing the response of OR2C1 was found to suppress theintensity of the model age-related body odor and the model underarmodor. Further, when used in combination with the group B, Hindinol wasfound to exert a higher suppressive effect on the model age-related bodyodor and the model underarm odor. It should be noted that othersubstances suppressing the response of OR2C1 (i.e., Dextramber andeucalyptus oil) were also verified for their suppressive effect onoffensive odors, indicating that these substances were all found tosuppress each offensive odor and further found to have a highersuppressive effect when used in combination with the group B.

TABLE 2 Fragrance Fragrance composition component 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 AHindinol 100 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 B Rose oxide 50 Allyl amyl glycolate50 Manzanate 50 Dihydromyrcenol 50 Benzyl acetate 50 Verdox 50 Geranylnitrile 50 Total 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 Offensive Modelage-related 3.7 1.4 2.0 1.1 1.5 2.1 1.2 2.0 odor body odor intensityModel underarm 3.9 2.0 1.9 1.3 2.3 1.6 1.4 1.9 odor Model musty odor 3.91.5 1.6 1.4 1.3 1.4 2.0 2.1

TABLE 3 Fragrance Fragrance composition component 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16A Hindinol 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 B Floropal 50 γ-Decalactone 50Undecavertol 50 Cis-Jasmone 50 L-Citronellol 50 Styralyl acetate 50β-Damascone 50 L-Citronellal 50 Total 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100Offensive Model age-related 2.1 2.5 2.2 1.8 1.4 1.6 2.1 2.0 odor bodyodor intensity Model underarm 2.0 2.3 2.4 2.5 1.8 2.0 2.3 1.9 odor Modelmusty odor 1.5 2.0 1.5 2.1 1.7 1.5 1.7 1.7

TABLE 4 Fragrance Fragrance composition component 17 18 19 20 21 22 2324 A Dextramber 100 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 B Rose oxide 50 Allyl amylglycolate 50 Manzanate 50 Dihydromyrcenol 50 Benzyl acetate 50 Verdox 50Geranyl nitrile 50 Total 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 Offensive Modelage-related 3.5 1.7 2.0 1.3 1.4 1.9 1.0 2.0 odor body odor intensityModel underarm 3.9 1.8 1.7 1.4 2.1 1.4 1.2 1.7 odor Model musty odor 3.41.0 2.0 1.1 1.6 1.7 1.6 1.4

TABLE 5 Fragrance Fragrance composition component 25 26 27 28 29 30 3132 A Dextramber 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 B Floropal 50 γ-Decalactone 50Undecavertol 50 Cis-Jasmone 50 L-Citronellol 50 Styralyl acetate 50β-Damascone 50 L-Citronellal 50 Total 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100Offensive Model age-related 1.5 1.9 1.7 1.8 1.6 1.6 2.5 2.3 odor bodyodor intensity Model underarm 1.8 2.1 2.0 2.3 1.3 1.6 2.1 1.8 odor Modelmusty odor 1.9 1.6 1.9 2.4 1.5 1.5 2.3 1.8

TABLE 6 Fragrance Fragrance composition component 33 34 35 36 37 38 3940 A Eucalyptus oil 100 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 B Rose oxide 50 Allyl amylglycolate 50 Manzanate 50 Dihydromyrcenol 50 Benzyl acetate 50 Verdox 50Geranyl nitrile 50 Total 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 Offensive Modelage-related 3.0 1.3 1.8 0.8 0.8 2.0 0.4 1.9 odor body odor intensityModel underarm 3.5 1.6 1.6 1.1 1.3 1.1 0.9 1.4 odor Model musty odor 3.62.0 1.2 1.2 1.9 1.9 1.3 1.4

TABLE 7 Fragrance Fragrance composition component 41 42 43 44 45 46 4748 A Eucalyptus oil 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 B Floropal 50 γ-Decalactone50 Undecavertol 50 Cis-Jasmone 50 L-Citronellol 50 Styralyl acetate 50β-Damascone 50 L-Citronellal 50 Total 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100Offensive Model age-related 1.4 1.4 2.1 1.5 1.3 1.1 2.0 1.5 odor bodyodor intensity Model underarm 1.5 1.8 1.2 2.0 2.2 1.3 1.8 2.0 odor Modelmusty odor 1.4 1.6 1.8 1.9 1.3 1.5 1.2 1.7

TABLE 8 Model age-related body odor Component Parts by mass (%)Heptanoic acid 5.0 Octanoic acid 5.0 Trans-2-nonenal 0.3 Trans-2-octenal0.1 Triethyl citrate balance Total 100.0

TABLE 9 Model underarm odor Component Parts by mass (%) Acetic acid 15Isobutanoic acid 5 Butanoic acid 1 Isovaleric acid 5 Hexanoic acid 1Heptanoic acid 1 Octanoic acid 1 Nonanoic acid 1 Lactic acid 651-Octen-3-one 1% in triethyl citrate 4 1,5-Octadien-3-one 1% in triethylcitrate 1 Total 100

TABLE 10 Model musty odor Component Parts by mass (%) 1-Octen-3-ol 1% intriethyl citrate 20 1,5-Octadien-3-ol 1% in triethyl citrate 202-Methylisoborneol 0.01% in triethyl citrate 50 Diosmin 1% in triethylcitrate 10 Total 100

Example 9 <Body Wash>

In accordance with the formula indicated in Table 11 below, a floralfruity fragrance composition containing 5% by mass of eucalyptus oil and5% by mass of rose oxide was used as a fragrance composition to preparea body wash in a standard manner. The base formula is as indicated inTable 12. It should be noted that the formula indicated in Table 11 wasmodified to replace eucalyptus oil with any compound of the group A androse oxide with any compound of the group B, and a fragrance compositionof such formula was also used to prepare a body wash in a standardmanner.

TABLE 11 Fragrance component Parts by mass (%) Cyclaprop 4.0 Galaxolide16.0 Geraniol 5.6 Hedione 12.8 Hexyl acetate 5.6 Hexylcinnamaldehyde 5.6Linalool 11.2 Orbitone 11.2 Phenethyl alcohol 5.6 γ-Undecalactone 2.4Eucalyptus oil (A) 5.0 Rose oxide (B) 5.0 Rose base 10.0 (TakasagoInternational Corporation, Japan) Total 100.0

TABLE 12 Component Parts by mass (%) Triethanolamine 9.00 Lauric acid6.00 Myristic acid 9.00 Polyoxyethylene sulfosuccinate lauryl disodium10.00 (1 E.O.) (42%) Alkyl (C8-16) glucoside 8.00 Glyceryl laurate 1.002-Hydroxyethyl distearate 2.50 Coconut oil fatty acid diethanolamide3.00 Propylene glycol 5.00 Dibutylhydroxytoluene 0.05 Disodium edetate0.10 Ethyl parahydroxybenzoate 0.20 Methyl parahydroxybenzoate 0.10Fragrance composition 0.95 Purified water balance Total 100.00

Example 10 <Liquid Softener>

In accordance with the formula indicated in Table 13 below, a floralbalsamic fragrance composition containing 5% by mass of eucalyptus oiland 5% by mass of rose oxide was used as a fragrance composition toprepare a liquid softener in a standard manner. The base formula is asindicated in Table 14. It should be noted that the formula indicated inTable 13 was modified to replace eucalyptus oil with any compound of thegroup A and rose oxide with any compound of the group B, and a fragrancecomposition of such formula was also used to prepare a liquid softenerin a standard manner.

TABLE 13 Fragrance component Parts by mass (%) Acetanisole 0.8 Benzylsalicylate 6.4 Calone 0.2 Cyclamen aldehyde 2.4 Floral ozone 1.3Galaxolide 15.2 Geraniol 3.2 Hedione 27.2 Isoeugenol 1.2 γ-Nonalactone0.5 Orbitone 18.4 Phenethyl alcohol 3.2 Eucalyptus oil (A) 5.0 Roseoxide (B) 5.0 Jasmine base 10.0 (Takasago International Corporation,Japan) Total 100.0

TABLE 14 Component Parts by mass (%) Imidazoline-type cationicsurfactant 6.00 Ethylene glycol 2.00 Polyoxyethylene oleyl cetyl ether0.20 Fragrance composition 1.00 Purified water balance Total 100.00

Example 11 <Shampoo>

In accordance with the formula indicated in Table 15 below, a citrusfragrance composition containing 5% by mass of eucalyptus oil and 5% bymass of rose oxide was used as a fragrance composition to prepare ashampoo in a standard manner. The base formula is as indicated in Table16. It should be noted that the formula indicated in Table 15 wasmodified to replace eucalyptus oil with any compound of the group A androse oxide with any compound of the group B, and a fragrance compositionof such formula was also used to prepare a shampoo in a standard manner.

TABLE 15 Fragrance component Parts by mass (%) Citral 1.6 Galaxolide 5.6Geraniol 4.8 Hedione 19.2 Heliobouquet 1.6 Hexylcinnamaldehyde 11.2Lemon oil 5.6 Linalool 9.6 Linalyl acetate 4.8 Orange oil 16.0Eucalyptus oil (A) 5.0 Rose oxide (B) 5.0 Lemon base 10.0 (TakasagoInternational Corporation, Japan) Total 100.0

TABLE 16 Component Parts by mass (%) Polyoxyethylene lauryl ether sodiumsulfate 14.00 Lauramidopropyl betaine 4.00 Coconut oil fatty aciddiethanolamide 3.00 Cationic cellulose 0.50 Ethylene glycol distearate1.00 Ethyl parahydroxybenzoate 0.25 Citric acid q.s. Fragrancecomposition 1.00 Purified water balance Total 100.00

Example 12 <Gel Air Freshener>

In accordance with the formula indicated in Table 13 above, a floralbalsamic fragrance composition containing 5% by mass of eucalyptus oiland 5% by mass of rose oxide was used as a fragrance composition toprepare a gel air freshener in a standard manner. The base formula is asindicated in Table 17. It should be noted that the formula indicated inTable 13 was modified to replace eucalyptus oil with any compound of thegroup A and rose oxide with any compound of the group B, and a fragrancecomposition of such formula was also used to prepare a gel air freshenerin a standard manner.

TABLE 17 Component Parts by mass (%) Carrageenan 2.0 Locust bean gum 0.2Propylene glycol 2.0 POE (20) sorbitan monostearate 0.5 Fragrancecomposition 5.0 Purified water balance Total 100.0

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The fragrance or flavor composition of the present invention can beexpected to contribute to reduction in the offensiveness of offensiveodors including age-related body odors, underarm odors and musty odorsand further to reduction in off-flavors derived from food and beverageproducts.

1. A fragrance or flavor composition comprising a fragrance or flavorcomponent acting on at least one olfactory receptor polypeptide selectedfrom the group consisting of (a) OR2C1 and OR4Q3, and (b) polypeptideswhich comprise an amino acid sequence sharing an identity of at least80% with the amino acid sequence of any of the polypeptides in (a) andwhich are responsive to at least one offensive odor-causing substanceselected from the group consisting of trans-2-nonenal, trans-2-octenal,1-octen-3-one, 1,5-octadien-3-one, 1-octen-3-ol and 1,5-octadien-3-ol tosuppress the response intensity of the olfactory receptor polypeptide(s)to at least one of the offensive odor-causing substances.
 2. Thefragrance or flavor composition according to claim 1, wherein theolfactory receptor polypeptide is at least one selected from the groupconsisting of (a) OR2C1 and (b) polypeptides which comprise an aminoacid sequence sharing an identity of at least 80% with the amino acidsequence of OR2C1 and which are responsive to at least one offensiveodor-causing substance selected from the group consisting oftrans-2-nonenal, trans-2-octenal, 1-octen-3-one, 1,5-octadien-3-one,1-octen-3-ol and 1,5-octadien-3-ol.
 3. The fragrance or flavorcomposition according to claim 1, which is intended to suppress one ormore offensive odors selected from the group consisting of age-relatedbody odors, underarm odors and musty odors.
 4. The fragrance or flavorcomposition according to claim 3, wherein the one or more offensiveodors selected from the group consisting of age-related body odors andunderarm odors are composed of at least one selected from the groupconsisting of trans-2-nonenal, trans-2-octenal, 1-octen-3-one and1,5-octadien-3-one.
 5. The fragrance or flavor composition according toclaim 3, wherein the musty odors are composed of at least one selectedfrom the group consisting of 1-octen-3-ol and 1,5-octadien-3-ol.
 6. Thefragrance or flavor composition according to claim 1, wherein thefragrance or flavor component comprises at least one selected from thegroup consisting of the following group A: Group A:2-methyl-4-(2,2,3-trimethylcyclopent-3-enyl)but-2-en-1-ol,1-(2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexyl)hexan-3-ol,1,4-dioxacycloheptadecane-5,17-dione, eucalyptus oil, patchouli oil, andvetiver oil.
 7. The fragrance or flavor composition according to claim6, wherein the fragrance or flavor component further comprises at leastone selected from the group consisting of the following group B: GroupB: tetrahydro-4-methyl-2-(2-methylpropenyl)-2H-pyran, 2-propenyl(3-methylbutyloxy)acetate, ethyl 2-methylpentanoate,2,6-dimethyl-7-octen-2-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenal, benzyl acetate,p-t-butylcyclohexyl acetate, 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadiene nitrile,4,4,6-trimethyl-2-phenyl-1,3-dioxane, 5-hexyloxolan-2-one,4-methyl-3-decen-5-ol, 3-methyl-2-(cis-2-pentenyl)-2-cyclopenten-1-one,3,7-dimethyl-6-octen-1-ol, 1-phenylethyl acetate, and(E)-1-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl)-2-buten-1-one.
 8. A fragrance orflavor composition for suppressing one or more offensive odors selectedfrom the group consisting of age-related body odors, underarm odors andmusty odors, which comprises at least one fragrance or flavor componentselected from the group consisting of the following group A: Group A:2-methyl-4-(2,2,3-trimethylcyclopent-3-enyl)but-2-en-1-ol,1-(2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexyl)hexan-3-ol,1,4-dioxacycloheptadecane-5,17-dione, eucalyptus oil, patchouli oil, andvetiver oil.
 9. The fragrance or flavor composition according to claim8, wherein the fragrance or flavor component further comprises at leastone selected from the group consisting of the following group B: GroupB: tetrahydro-4-methyl-2-(2-methylpropenyl)-2H-pyran, 2-propenyl(3-methylbutyloxy)acetate, ethyl 2-methylpentanoate,2,6-dimethyl-7-octen-2-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenal, benzyl acetate,p-t-butylcyclohexyl acetate, 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadiene nitrile,4,4,6-trimethyl-2-phenyl-1,3-dioxane, 5-hexyloxolan-2-one,4-methyl-3-decen-5-ol, 3-methyl-2-(cis-2-pentenyl)-2-cyclopenten-1-one,3,7-dimethyl-6-octen-1-ol, 1-phenylethyl acetate, and(E)-1-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl)-2-buten-1-one.
 10. A productcomprising 0.0001% to 30% by mass of the fragrance or flavor compositionaccording to claim
 1. 11. A method for suppressing one or more offensiveodors selected from the group consisting of age-related body odors,underarm odors and musty odors, which comprises applying the fragranceor flavor composition according to claim 1 to one or more offensiveodors selected from the group consisting of age-related body odors,underarm odors and musty odors to thereby suppress the offensive odors.